Options
Charmy's 2013 ANA NEW ORLEANS REPORT w/Lots and Lots of Pics!!! NEW EXTRA PHOTOS AT END
ThePennyLady
Posts: 4,441 ✭✭✭✭✭
Phew, what a week! New Orleans is quite a city! I arrived in New Orleans with my hubby last Sunday afternoon so we could have a few days experiencing the city together before the show started since this was the first time either of us had ever been there. Of course I took a lot of photos of my adventures in the NOLA, so while there are many coin-related photos later on in my report, I hope you will indulge me a little during the first part of this report which is more about the City of New Orleans and all its charms. So here we go on Charmy’s Big Easy Adventure!
It started with yummy Bloody Mary’s with my hubby Lou at the OC airport
While we were waiting for our flight to take off, I looked out the window and watched the baggage handler loading the suitcases, one of which looked familiar – that’s my bag with the lime green tag!
I had ordered this New Orleans Visitor’s Guide so I had something to read on the plane
The Mississippi River shortly before we landed in New Orleans
Since Rick Snow once lived in New Orleans, he had some friends he wanted to visit so we coordinated our trip and he also arrived on Sunday. He was very kind to pick us up at the airport in a beautiful brand new sparkling blue Dodge, and then he toted us around the city - he made an excellent tour guide
The Mercedes Superdome where many of the victims of Katrina stayed
A beautiful cathedral right alongside the highway
After we settled into our hotel, we started exploring the city.
There were lots of “interesting” sites we saw while walking around in New Orleans, including this Mardi Gras joker statute
And this guy – whatever he is
This is the St. Louis Cathedral behind Jackson Square – it’s the oldest cathedral in the United States
Andrew Jackson statue
Our first dining experience in New Orleans overlooking Bourbon Street
Very yummy crab cheese bake
Walking around on Bourbon Street
This was hilarious! This dog would lay there on his back and not move an inch!
There were several of these “Rick’s Saloons” so, of course, we had to take photos of Rick underneath “his” saloons!
One of the many fantastic bands playing in a pub on Bourbon Street
Of course I had to try on one of the famous Mardi Gras masks!
Bead-throwers!
As you can see, I acquired several bead necklaces, but I take the 5th on HOW they were acquired!
Another great music venue
An interesting bookstore that was packed from ceiling to floor
More great pubs we checked out
These guys at the Funky Pirate were fantastic!!!
On Monday, we decided to take a river boat cruise so we had lunch at a restaurant near where the ship launched. These drinks were very tasty but also pricey!
Rick and his New Orleans friend, Clay
Our riverboat – The Natchez – the only steam-only paddle boat on the river
While we were waiting to board the ship, a woman played a steam-powered organ on top of the ship – the puffs of smoke are actually steam coming from the organ. It made a wonderful carnival sound.
This is a photo of the photograph taken as we were boarding the ship
The paddlewheel
A view of St. Louis Cathedral from the river
Leaving the city
Some of the sites along the river – remnants of Hurricane Katrina
Domino Sugar Mill - the oldest sugar mill in the world
Heading back to the city
Greater New Orleans Bridge
Later that evening we went over to the Crazy Lobster restaurant at the River Walk
Lou wanted something light so he ordered what he thought were some simple fish tacos, but what he got were these huge tacos stuffed with big chunks of breaded fish! He couldn’t even finish all three!
The next day – Tuesday – we visited the old New Orleans Mint building
Although the museum was rather sparse, there were several interesting items on display
There is a jazz museum on the second floor of the Mint building
After we visited the mint, we walked around the city some more. We came upon Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and stopped in for some refreshments
This very tasty beverage was called “It’s 5:00 somewhere”!
We then walked back to Bourbon Street and took a rest at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop bar – it was built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze and is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
Our next stop was at Tropical Isle where we tried their famous “gremade” which they taut as the strongest drink in New Orleans!
Then we went across the street to a little diner that advertised “the world’s best hamburgers” so we asked them what made their burgers so great. They said it was the hubcaps they used when cooking the burgers!! By the way, they didn’t discriminate, they used both Dodge and Ford hubcaps!! While their burgers were very good, I wouldn’t say they were quite the “world’s best.”
After lunch, we took a bus tour that took us all around the city, including the 9th Ward, the Garden District, a cemetery, etc.
These are referred to as “shotgun” houses – which means that you could open the front door, shoot a shotgun, and it would exit out the back door!
Many of the homes in the 9th ward were once occupied by plantation slaves. These homes were then given to the slaves after the Civil War, and then the homes were passed on down from family member to family member. Since the residents felt comfortable that the levy system would keep their homes from flooding, they didn’t feel the need for flood insurance. After Katrina, many of the residents couldn’t afford to rebuild, so they simply left and didn’t return.
When this brick and green house was rebuilt, it was built up high so it wouldn’t be as affected by any future floods
These are the notions that were made on each house as they were inspected after Katrina. The number to the left of the circle referred to the number of deceased pets found at the house, and the number on the bottom referred to the number of deceased persons discovered at the house
A great number of New Orleans’ musicians were displaced by Katrina, so thanks to donated time and money, beautiful colorful new homes were built along one long block specifically for these musicians – this street is known as Musicians’ Row.
We were then taken to the Garden District where the more wealthy residents live. Though their homes were equally damaged by flooding from Katrina, they had insurance and quickly rebuilt their homes.
This house has two separate entrance stairs, one for men and one for women – so that the men wouldn’t get a glimpse of any of the lady’s ankles!
If you look closely, you can see this tree is covered with strings of beads!
We learned that everyone is buried above ground in crypts due to, of course, the water levels. A family buys one crypt and each family member is buried there, sometimes several hundred in one crypt.
And each family member is responsible for the upkeep of their own crypt. The crypts on the right are owned by poor families, many of whom are no longer around or can’t take care of the crypt.
After the tour, we wondered around the open market area.
Then it was back to Bourbon Street!
Wednesday was dealer set up day at the convention center. The New Orleans Convention Center is the largest convention center I’ve ever seen!
Our hotel was across the street from Hall C but the show was held in Hall G – about ½ mile away!
The ANA had a very nice large prominent rotating sign in front of the convention center
I recently applied for membership in the PNG so I attended the membership meeting held just before set up time at the convention center. There was excellent information discussed about, among other things, the so-called “internet sales tax” bill. Also, during a brief break, a wonderful saxophone player came in and played “Happy Birthday” to one of the members!
After I had my booth set up, I wondered back to the exhibit area and took some photos of the ANA’s exhibits.
This was a very interesting collector exhibit about coin counting boards
Rick had this very rare Confederate Cent at his table
After set up, there was a PNG coktail reception which was a great opportunity for me to meet other PNG members, not to mention try some “exotic” hors devours like these alligator pieces!
Gary Adkins and his newest employee, Chase
Gary and the new ANA Executive Director Kim Kick
Tom Hallenbeck and Rick Snow
After the reception, a group of us took a couple taxis to Emeril’s Demonico for dinner. However, there was an abandoned package left at this intersection, so it was closed off and a ton of police and fire engines descended on the area which effectively shut down several streets, including the one we were on. So we simply got out of the taxi and walked the rest of the way to the restaurant.
This was a house we passed along the way that was covered in Mardi Gras beads!
We finally reached Emeril’s Demonico
And ordered this array of hors devours
And of course a nice bottle of wine!
On Thursday morning this high school jazz band was playing in the registration lobby just before the show opened to the public
Opening ceremonies
Throughout the day, the show was slow to fill up with collectors and many dealers reported poor retail sales. So by early afternoon, there was more dealer to dealer business, as well as dealer socializing than usual!
My hubby headed home on Wednesday, and since he’s not much of a gambler, I waited to play poker until after he went home. So after the show on Thursday, I finally got to play some poker at Harrah’s casino which was just down the street from our hotel
We first had dinner at their exquisite steakhouse – this is a wonderful seafood bisque I had
The poker room – this time I played 1-2 no limit and ended up $400 ahead!
Early Friday morning I was woken up by loud pitter-pattering of rain on my window. When I turned on the tv, I found out we were having a “severe” thunder and lightning storm, with some areas around the outskirts of the city under tornado watch! The tv then went out so I headed downstairs for some breakfast, where a warning soon sounded requesting that everyone evacuate the hotel. I asked the service staff what we were supposed to do and they said that when we see the staff leave, that’s when we should leave. Apparently, they receive a lot of false alarms – that was a bit disconcerting!
After breakfast, we headed over to the show of course! The show must go on!! A very kind hotel staff member with a huge umbrella graciously walked me across the street to the convention center so I wouldn’t get soaked.
Business seemed to pick up on Friday. I sold a couple Matte Proof Lincolns and one of my 1955/55 doubled dies. I was also able to pick up some nice new pieces for my inventory.
I only saw a few non-dealer forum members at this show – this is Kirk/Kirkuleez (CoinTalk) who brought me this very intriguing bottle of Louisiana Cajun Spiced Run!!!
This is a good customer friend of mine, Michael, and his very special Rag Doll service kitty. Michael has severe bouts of PTSD and this beautiful 18-pounder kitty is able to detect when one of his spells is coming on and meows loudly and consistently, and then comforts Michael. He even has an official service ID card.
This is the wine I bought at a local liquor store to have and share during the show. They are not the best wines, but they did fine in a pinch, especially considering they cost 3 times what I would pay in California for the same bottles!
PCGS wasn’t doing onsite grading and were only receiving submissions to take back to the office for grading, so they didn’t seem quite as busy as they usually are at these shows, but they were just as gracious and friendly as always!
I dropped off several Conder tokens for grading at NGC – they too are so friendly and helpful!
This is Michael Ellis, an ANA board member
And Grey Lyon, another ANA board member as well as CU forum member
It was still raining when we left the show on Friday evening
Our dinner reservations weren’t until 8pm, so we stopped off at this little pub not far from our hotel before dinner
Since the restaurant we were meeting at was right on Bourbon Street, we wondered around before dinner. Being Friday night, and since the rain had stopped, it was starting to get crowded
This painted blue dog artwork turned up quite a bit all over New Orleans
This is the back of St. Louis Cathedral
We walked around to the front of the cathedral and when I was taking this photo of Rick and Ron, I noticed the cathedral doors opened.
And suddenly a wedding party came walking out of the cathedral!
There was even a jazz band playing while the bride and groom and wedding party danced!
Then a large group of us met at Court of the Two Sisters for dinner in the French Quarter, which has an interesting history. It is named for Emma and Bertha Camors, sisters who once owned a notions and fancies shop. Emma and Bertha belonged to a proud, aristocratic Creole family; their “rabais,” or notions, outfitted many of New Orleans’ high society women in formal gowns, lace, and perfumes imported from Paris. With a larger courtyard than its neighbors, the residence lent itself to visitors, and the sisters’ shop received many. Marriage, reversals of fortune, widowhood--nothing could separate the two sisters. Indeed, as the Picayune was to report, the sisters died within two months of each other in the winter of 1944. They lie side by side at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, united in death as in life.
This is a “Charm Gate” plaque right outside the restaurant – so of course I had to have a photo with it!
The bar inside the restaurant
Our dinner group – from left going around the table: Glenn Holsonbake/PonyExpress, me, Ron, Neil (Rick’s friend) and his wife Barbara, Rick Snow, Neil’s daughter’s friend Alex, and Neil’s daughter Megan
Though I’m really fond of turtles, I decided to give their turtle soup a try – and it wasn’t bad, sort of tasted like chicken
It went well with this nice bottle of Mondavi Cab (well, what doesn’t go with a nice Cab!)
Then it was out last night in New Orleans so we did one last tour of Bourbon Street where I acquired even more Mardi Gras beads (again, I take the 5th on how I got them!)
After Bourbon Street, we headed down to Frenchman Street where we heard the locals go for some great jazz music. But it was so crowded that we couldn’t even get in to see any of the bands, so we just walked around. I thought this sign was intriguing
Back at the show on Saturday, many of the dealers sort of wondered in a little more later than usual! Seems many of them did the same thing we did on Friday night! I took these photos around noon on Saturday – it was starting to grow sparse.
Here is Glenn Holsonbake/PonyExpress manning his table!
Rick had this beautiful medal in his case from the 1972 ANA show in New Orleans
Then it was time to pack up and head home. I had such a great time in New Orleans, so much good food and beverages, and lots of fun with my hubby and friends! But I have to say, that after a week of carousing, drinking and eating, and working at the show, I was very ready to go home!
Me so happy to be heading home!!!
I changed planes in Denver and after we took off, I really enjoyed flying over the majestic Rocky Mountains
I finally arrived home late Saturday night, and went straight to bed. I was so exhausted that I slept at least 12 hours! It is so good to be home…..
Next up – well, we actually have tickets to see the Rolling Stones in concert on Wednesday at the Honda Center in Anaheim – I AM SO EXCITED since they are the last group I had on my bucket list of groups I hadn’t yet seen in concert.
Then, it’s the Long Beach show in early June, then I will be off to the ANA Summer Seminar the end of June!!
It started with yummy Bloody Mary’s with my hubby Lou at the OC airport
While we were waiting for our flight to take off, I looked out the window and watched the baggage handler loading the suitcases, one of which looked familiar – that’s my bag with the lime green tag!
I had ordered this New Orleans Visitor’s Guide so I had something to read on the plane
The Mississippi River shortly before we landed in New Orleans
Since Rick Snow once lived in New Orleans, he had some friends he wanted to visit so we coordinated our trip and he also arrived on Sunday. He was very kind to pick us up at the airport in a beautiful brand new sparkling blue Dodge, and then he toted us around the city - he made an excellent tour guide
The Mercedes Superdome where many of the victims of Katrina stayed
A beautiful cathedral right alongside the highway
After we settled into our hotel, we started exploring the city.
There were lots of “interesting” sites we saw while walking around in New Orleans, including this Mardi Gras joker statute
And this guy – whatever he is
This is the St. Louis Cathedral behind Jackson Square – it’s the oldest cathedral in the United States
Andrew Jackson statue
Our first dining experience in New Orleans overlooking Bourbon Street
Very yummy crab cheese bake
Walking around on Bourbon Street
This was hilarious! This dog would lay there on his back and not move an inch!
There were several of these “Rick’s Saloons” so, of course, we had to take photos of Rick underneath “his” saloons!
One of the many fantastic bands playing in a pub on Bourbon Street
Of course I had to try on one of the famous Mardi Gras masks!
Bead-throwers!
As you can see, I acquired several bead necklaces, but I take the 5th on HOW they were acquired!
Another great music venue
An interesting bookstore that was packed from ceiling to floor
More great pubs we checked out
These guys at the Funky Pirate were fantastic!!!
On Monday, we decided to take a river boat cruise so we had lunch at a restaurant near where the ship launched. These drinks were very tasty but also pricey!
Rick and his New Orleans friend, Clay
Our riverboat – The Natchez – the only steam-only paddle boat on the river
While we were waiting to board the ship, a woman played a steam-powered organ on top of the ship – the puffs of smoke are actually steam coming from the organ. It made a wonderful carnival sound.
This is a photo of the photograph taken as we were boarding the ship
The paddlewheel
A view of St. Louis Cathedral from the river
Leaving the city
Some of the sites along the river – remnants of Hurricane Katrina
Domino Sugar Mill - the oldest sugar mill in the world
Heading back to the city
Greater New Orleans Bridge
Later that evening we went over to the Crazy Lobster restaurant at the River Walk
Lou wanted something light so he ordered what he thought were some simple fish tacos, but what he got were these huge tacos stuffed with big chunks of breaded fish! He couldn’t even finish all three!
The next day – Tuesday – we visited the old New Orleans Mint building
Although the museum was rather sparse, there were several interesting items on display
There is a jazz museum on the second floor of the Mint building
After we visited the mint, we walked around the city some more. We came upon Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and stopped in for some refreshments
This very tasty beverage was called “It’s 5:00 somewhere”!
We then walked back to Bourbon Street and took a rest at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop bar – it was built between 1722 and 1732 by Nicolas Touze and is reputed to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States.
Our next stop was at Tropical Isle where we tried their famous “gremade” which they taut as the strongest drink in New Orleans!
Then we went across the street to a little diner that advertised “the world’s best hamburgers” so we asked them what made their burgers so great. They said it was the hubcaps they used when cooking the burgers!! By the way, they didn’t discriminate, they used both Dodge and Ford hubcaps!! While their burgers were very good, I wouldn’t say they were quite the “world’s best.”
After lunch, we took a bus tour that took us all around the city, including the 9th Ward, the Garden District, a cemetery, etc.
These are referred to as “shotgun” houses – which means that you could open the front door, shoot a shotgun, and it would exit out the back door!
Many of the homes in the 9th ward were once occupied by plantation slaves. These homes were then given to the slaves after the Civil War, and then the homes were passed on down from family member to family member. Since the residents felt comfortable that the levy system would keep their homes from flooding, they didn’t feel the need for flood insurance. After Katrina, many of the residents couldn’t afford to rebuild, so they simply left and didn’t return.
When this brick and green house was rebuilt, it was built up high so it wouldn’t be as affected by any future floods
These are the notions that were made on each house as they were inspected after Katrina. The number to the left of the circle referred to the number of deceased pets found at the house, and the number on the bottom referred to the number of deceased persons discovered at the house
A great number of New Orleans’ musicians were displaced by Katrina, so thanks to donated time and money, beautiful colorful new homes were built along one long block specifically for these musicians – this street is known as Musicians’ Row.
We were then taken to the Garden District where the more wealthy residents live. Though their homes were equally damaged by flooding from Katrina, they had insurance and quickly rebuilt their homes.
This house has two separate entrance stairs, one for men and one for women – so that the men wouldn’t get a glimpse of any of the lady’s ankles!
If you look closely, you can see this tree is covered with strings of beads!
We learned that everyone is buried above ground in crypts due to, of course, the water levels. A family buys one crypt and each family member is buried there, sometimes several hundred in one crypt.
And each family member is responsible for the upkeep of their own crypt. The crypts on the right are owned by poor families, many of whom are no longer around or can’t take care of the crypt.
After the tour, we wondered around the open market area.
Then it was back to Bourbon Street!
Wednesday was dealer set up day at the convention center. The New Orleans Convention Center is the largest convention center I’ve ever seen!
Our hotel was across the street from Hall C but the show was held in Hall G – about ½ mile away!
The ANA had a very nice large prominent rotating sign in front of the convention center
I recently applied for membership in the PNG so I attended the membership meeting held just before set up time at the convention center. There was excellent information discussed about, among other things, the so-called “internet sales tax” bill. Also, during a brief break, a wonderful saxophone player came in and played “Happy Birthday” to one of the members!
After I had my booth set up, I wondered back to the exhibit area and took some photos of the ANA’s exhibits.
This was a very interesting collector exhibit about coin counting boards
Rick had this very rare Confederate Cent at his table
After set up, there was a PNG coktail reception which was a great opportunity for me to meet other PNG members, not to mention try some “exotic” hors devours like these alligator pieces!
Gary Adkins and his newest employee, Chase
Gary and the new ANA Executive Director Kim Kick
Tom Hallenbeck and Rick Snow
After the reception, a group of us took a couple taxis to Emeril’s Demonico for dinner. However, there was an abandoned package left at this intersection, so it was closed off and a ton of police and fire engines descended on the area which effectively shut down several streets, including the one we were on. So we simply got out of the taxi and walked the rest of the way to the restaurant.
This was a house we passed along the way that was covered in Mardi Gras beads!
We finally reached Emeril’s Demonico
And ordered this array of hors devours
And of course a nice bottle of wine!
On Thursday morning this high school jazz band was playing in the registration lobby just before the show opened to the public
Opening ceremonies
Throughout the day, the show was slow to fill up with collectors and many dealers reported poor retail sales. So by early afternoon, there was more dealer to dealer business, as well as dealer socializing than usual!
My hubby headed home on Wednesday, and since he’s not much of a gambler, I waited to play poker until after he went home. So after the show on Thursday, I finally got to play some poker at Harrah’s casino which was just down the street from our hotel
We first had dinner at their exquisite steakhouse – this is a wonderful seafood bisque I had
The poker room – this time I played 1-2 no limit and ended up $400 ahead!
Early Friday morning I was woken up by loud pitter-pattering of rain on my window. When I turned on the tv, I found out we were having a “severe” thunder and lightning storm, with some areas around the outskirts of the city under tornado watch! The tv then went out so I headed downstairs for some breakfast, where a warning soon sounded requesting that everyone evacuate the hotel. I asked the service staff what we were supposed to do and they said that when we see the staff leave, that’s when we should leave. Apparently, they receive a lot of false alarms – that was a bit disconcerting!
After breakfast, we headed over to the show of course! The show must go on!! A very kind hotel staff member with a huge umbrella graciously walked me across the street to the convention center so I wouldn’t get soaked.
Business seemed to pick up on Friday. I sold a couple Matte Proof Lincolns and one of my 1955/55 doubled dies. I was also able to pick up some nice new pieces for my inventory.
I only saw a few non-dealer forum members at this show – this is Kirk/Kirkuleez (CoinTalk) who brought me this very intriguing bottle of Louisiana Cajun Spiced Run!!!
This is a good customer friend of mine, Michael, and his very special Rag Doll service kitty. Michael has severe bouts of PTSD and this beautiful 18-pounder kitty is able to detect when one of his spells is coming on and meows loudly and consistently, and then comforts Michael. He even has an official service ID card.
This is the wine I bought at a local liquor store to have and share during the show. They are not the best wines, but they did fine in a pinch, especially considering they cost 3 times what I would pay in California for the same bottles!
PCGS wasn’t doing onsite grading and were only receiving submissions to take back to the office for grading, so they didn’t seem quite as busy as they usually are at these shows, but they were just as gracious and friendly as always!
I dropped off several Conder tokens for grading at NGC – they too are so friendly and helpful!
This is Michael Ellis, an ANA board member
And Grey Lyon, another ANA board member as well as CU forum member
It was still raining when we left the show on Friday evening
Our dinner reservations weren’t until 8pm, so we stopped off at this little pub not far from our hotel before dinner
Since the restaurant we were meeting at was right on Bourbon Street, we wondered around before dinner. Being Friday night, and since the rain had stopped, it was starting to get crowded
This painted blue dog artwork turned up quite a bit all over New Orleans
This is the back of St. Louis Cathedral
We walked around to the front of the cathedral and when I was taking this photo of Rick and Ron, I noticed the cathedral doors opened.
And suddenly a wedding party came walking out of the cathedral!
There was even a jazz band playing while the bride and groom and wedding party danced!
Then a large group of us met at Court of the Two Sisters for dinner in the French Quarter, which has an interesting history. It is named for Emma and Bertha Camors, sisters who once owned a notions and fancies shop. Emma and Bertha belonged to a proud, aristocratic Creole family; their “rabais,” or notions, outfitted many of New Orleans’ high society women in formal gowns, lace, and perfumes imported from Paris. With a larger courtyard than its neighbors, the residence lent itself to visitors, and the sisters’ shop received many. Marriage, reversals of fortune, widowhood--nothing could separate the two sisters. Indeed, as the Picayune was to report, the sisters died within two months of each other in the winter of 1944. They lie side by side at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, united in death as in life.
This is a “Charm Gate” plaque right outside the restaurant – so of course I had to have a photo with it!
The bar inside the restaurant
Our dinner group – from left going around the table: Glenn Holsonbake/PonyExpress, me, Ron, Neil (Rick’s friend) and his wife Barbara, Rick Snow, Neil’s daughter’s friend Alex, and Neil’s daughter Megan
Though I’m really fond of turtles, I decided to give their turtle soup a try – and it wasn’t bad, sort of tasted like chicken
It went well with this nice bottle of Mondavi Cab (well, what doesn’t go with a nice Cab!)
Then it was out last night in New Orleans so we did one last tour of Bourbon Street where I acquired even more Mardi Gras beads (again, I take the 5th on how I got them!)
After Bourbon Street, we headed down to Frenchman Street where we heard the locals go for some great jazz music. But it was so crowded that we couldn’t even get in to see any of the bands, so we just walked around. I thought this sign was intriguing
Back at the show on Saturday, many of the dealers sort of wondered in a little more later than usual! Seems many of them did the same thing we did on Friday night! I took these photos around noon on Saturday – it was starting to grow sparse.
Here is Glenn Holsonbake/PonyExpress manning his table!
Rick had this beautiful medal in his case from the 1972 ANA show in New Orleans
Then it was time to pack up and head home. I had such a great time in New Orleans, so much good food and beverages, and lots of fun with my hubby and friends! But I have to say, that after a week of carousing, drinking and eating, and working at the show, I was very ready to go home!
Me so happy to be heading home!!!
I changed planes in Denver and after we took off, I really enjoyed flying over the majestic Rocky Mountains
I finally arrived home late Saturday night, and went straight to bed. I was so exhausted that I slept at least 12 hours! It is so good to be home…..
Next up – well, we actually have tickets to see the Rolling Stones in concert on Wednesday at the Honda Center in Anaheim – I AM SO EXCITED since they are the last group I had on my bucket list of groups I hadn’t yet seen in concert.
Then, it’s the Long Beach show in early June, then I will be off to the ANA Summer Seminar the end of June!!
Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
0
Comments
Taylor
As always, great photos and report!
Thank you.
WS
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
Love this one.........
Good job on the pictures. Your improved photography skills are obvious although in bright sunlight conditions the flash should be disabled while the HDR capabilities should be used. That and the statue in the middle of Jackson Square is of president Andrew Jackson, not Stonewall Jackson.
Your ANA trip looked like it was about 30x more fun than mine. You looked like you went home really, really happy...back home in good 'ol L.A...
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
What , no stop at Cafe du Monde at 2 am for Chicory Coffee, and Beignets?.....unthinkable!!!!
......I collect old stuff......
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
Coins for sale at link below
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipP4PBdXHyY3jaCIhcyZwTqHFUghNBdD4kFaDpRZ
Wow! What a trip! Thanks for posting. Had a blast!
<< <i>Charmy, you outdid yourself on this thread, and by a long ways. If I were able to accompany you on your exciting trip to New Orleans, I might even have been able to overlook the danger element, 19 shootings yesterday. At my older age, your trip would have been soooooooooooo exciting to me. Thank you very much for allowing me to share in your fun. It made me feel a bit younger again --- by about forty years! >>
As I was reading the report I was trying to make a mental connect between the New Orleans shootings and the New Orleans Money Show. Thanks for the assurance that Charmy was out of harms way. Great report and found it especially of interest to see the Spanish influence that pervades the "French Quarter." (Was in Spain in March and our tour guide in Malaga was pointing out to us how similar the architecture of the old town there resembled the French Quarter in New Orleans. Just located this confirmation from the website "FrenchQuarter.com":
"But forty years of Spanish dominion left the French Quarter with a semi-fortified streetscape ready for fighting the forces of evil, with phalanxes of common-wall buildings, mysterious alleys, and secluded patios. If the Spaniard's flat-topped tile-roofed buildings worked better in Sunny Spain than in wet New Orleans, there are still a few out there on kitchens and privies to puzzle the visitor. The Spanish gave us the St. Louis cemeteries, St. Charles Avenue, the first Catholic bishop, olive oil cooking, jars in the courtyard, entresol buildings with mezzanine spaces, Pere Antoine-who was really Friar Antonio, and Baroque-looking government buildings. They also left that queer legal pleading, the non numerata pecunia, sent from the wise Alfonso in the thirteenth century. This rule specified that if the notary did not see money change hands during the course of a mortgage contract, the lender had to renounce his right to sue about it later. The burden of proof fell on him to demonstrate the debt's existence in alleging non-payment."
<< <i>Charmy, you outdid yourself on this thread, and by a long ways. If I were able to accompany you on your exciting trip to New Orleans, I might even have been able to overlook the danger element, 19 shootings yesterday. At my older age, your trip would have been soooooooooooo exciting to me. Thank you very much for allowing me to share in your fun. It made me feel a bit younger again --- by about forty years! >>
The Mothers' Day parade shooting on 5/11 occured in the Seventh Ward area of the city, well away from the beaten path of the tourists and conventioners.
As for the feeling younger vicariously part, people are only as old as they think they are. Some of it is physical, but most of it is mental.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>
<< <i>Charmy, you outdid yourself on this thread, and by a long ways. If I were able to accompany you on your exciting trip to New Orleans, I might even have been able to overlook the danger element, 19 shootings yesterday. At my older age, your trip would have been soooooooooooo exciting to me. Thank you very much for allowing me to share in your fun. It made me feel a bit younger again --- by about forty years! >>
The Mothers' Day parade shooting on 5/11 occured in the Seventh Ward area of the city, well away from the beaten path of the tourists and conventioners.
As for the feeling younger vicariously part, people are only as old as they think they are. Some of it is physical, but most of it is mental. >>
Thanks for the details. Have to wonder if the comparatively less than well attended show had to do with security concerns by dealers and buyers that apparently continues to plague New Orleans. The Mother's Day incident is certainly not going to help in getting past the city's lawless image in the future. Any word on how the Bowers auction fared particularly with regard to floor bidding?
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Charmy, you outdid yourself on this thread, and by a long ways. If I were able to accompany you on your exciting trip to New Orleans, I might even have been able to overlook the danger element, 19 shootings yesterday. At my older age, your trip would have been soooooooooooo exciting to me. Thank you very much for allowing me to share in your fun. It made me feel a bit younger again --- by about forty years! >>
The Mothers' Day parade shooting on 5/11 occured in the Seventh Ward area of the city, well away from the beaten path of the tourists and conventioners.
As for the feeling younger vicariously part, people are only as old as they think they are. Some of it is physical, but most of it is mental. >>
Thanks for the details. Have to wonder if the comparatively less than well attended show had to do with security concerns by dealers and buyers that apparently continues to plague New Orleans. The Mother's Day incident is certainly not going to help in getting past the city's lawless image in the future. Any word on how the Bowers auction fared particularly with regard to floor bidding? >>
The attendance issue had some to do with the perception of the city but in my opinion it has to do most with the general geographic area. As much as the ANA and the locals want to deny it, the Southeast of the continental U.S., minus central and south Florida, is not a good area for numismatics. Attendance problems plague many major shows held in that area whether it be New Orleans, Atlanta or Jacksonville. The one time Whitman show in Nashville was multiple times worse than New Orleans. Even the annual Money Show of the Southwest in Houston isn't normally that well attended. Some dealers who chose not to attend the ANA this year cited security concerns, but often those dealers are the same ones who fall into the "paranoid about everything and only selectively believe what they want to believe what is told to them by (often unreliable) secondary sources" umbrella. The absence of those who chose not to attend was offset by those who made extra effort to attend because they got the chance to visit a place they had never been before. Many who made the extra effort to make the trip even brought their partners with them, people who otherwise seldomly travel to coin shows. New Orleans isn't on the normal coin show travel circuit so many dealers had never been. Mr. PennyLady would be a case in point.
Prior to this show, I had been to New Orleans over a half dozen times including once in December 2005, four months after Hurrican Katrina. Prior to this trip the last time I was in New Orleans was in 2010. In my honest personal opinion, walking the streets of the city felt safer this time than it has in the past.
With internet bidding capabilities now standard, the lack of floor bidding is no longer the liability it once was. If floor attendance is sparse it doesn't mean that absentee bidding will be weak by default. The auction was basically the same as most auctions are these days: nice coins brought top dollar while mediocre coins realized average prices.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
I have several friends in and around the New Orleans area. I think this thread just reminded me that it might be time for another visit.
Mike
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
Successful Transactions With: JoeLewis, Mkman123, Harry779, Grote15, gdavis70, Kryptonitecomics
I am thinking you could sell this thread to the Travel Channel, makes me want to visit New Orleans
Regarding the Beignets, everyone was raving about the Cafe du Monde Beignets and I regret that I didn't make it there. But I did have Beignets for dessert at Emerils - they were covered with cinnamon sugar and came with the most wonderful creamy rum sauce and were very yummy - ummmmmm!
Regarding comments about security, there definitely were concerns about security in and around the show. The ANA told us that there were people "scanning" credit cards while still i our wallets and they provided us with credit card sleeves that would help prevent our cards from being surreptitiously scanned. I also heard that there were a couple of people using a distraction method of taking off with people's bags at the show. They apparently got one couple where the wife was watching their bag while the husband was in the restroom and a guy distracted her while another guy ran off with their bag of coins.
But keep in mind these are the kinds of things that are not unique to New Orleans - they are things we are always cognizant of at every show we attend.
https://thepennylady.com/
<< <i> If it is 3am don't walk a mile off of the beaten path through a dark run down neighborhood wearing beads and holding a giant daiquiri!!!
Isn't the the whole point of the French Quarter?
<< <i> The ANA told us that there were people "scanning" credit cards while still i our wallets and they provided us with credit card sleeves that would help prevent our cards from being surreptitiously scanned. >>
Just to clarify, this is the incident which happened in Philadelphia, not New Orleans. Additionally, it's not known if this was done at the ANA show itself, in the convention center or just in the downtown Philly area.
The type of scanning believed to have been done only affects credit cards with an RFID chip. As of today, there are few US issued cards with RFID chips.
Greg
5$ bills are WOW with the numbers - wanted:
02121809
04151865
Wanted - Flipper notes with the numbers 6-9 or 0-6-9 ON 1$ 2$ 5$ 10$ 20$
Wanted - 10$ Sereis 2013 - fancy Serial Numbers
<< <i>
<< <i> If it is 3am don't walk a mile off of the beaten path through a dark run down neighborhood wearing beads and holding a giant daiquiri!!!
Isn't the the whole point of the French Quarter? >>
No silly, a mile off the quarter! If one stays in the FQ then, no problem!
Let me start by saying the 19 person shooting referred to earlier was one shooter at a parade in the 7th ward. No one died, the whole thing is on video tape, the shooter had been identified and it is just a matter of time before he is caught. This is no where near the French quarter, convention center, or any of the places Charmy went in her report.
I am glad to hear you had a great time in the Big Easy. We do know how to throw a good party. The convention center is huge and part of what makes this a great place for those Super Bowl and Final Four tournaments and stuff like that. It does however make for long walks between halls. The closest parking is still a hike from 6 halls away.
I was there Friday for most of the day. The weather and resulting traffic made me later than I wanted to be so I was not there at the opening. I sold a few coins right off the bat and then checked out the exhibits. I did like the one with the counting board but I have to admit I voted for Disney Dollar display just because it was fun. The ANA displays were great and your pictures turned out way better than mine. I really enjoyed seeing the 1792 half dime.
I spent some time at the booth of Northern Nevada Coins right next to you. I was in the market for some Nawlins Gold and he had a few pieces that sparked my interest. I enjoyed your music and several people around me said the same thing. You were actually busy with a few customers while I was there and I didn't want to interrupt as just a visitor.
It is sad to say I know this is not a strong town for a coin show but we make it more fun than most places. I tried to do my part to help out and make it a good show.
One thing I can say is that I am thrilled the ANA has finally had a show close to me and for someone from the south who loves coins and my job, etc. does not allow me to travel everywhere this was great. Thank you to Charmy and all of the other dealers, sponsors and people who make shows like this happen.
Because of this show I have finally decided to check out the local coin club that hosted the show, I ran into a few of the members and after years of saying I was going to go some day, I finally am going to their next meeting.
Thanks
Mercury
Larry L.
Morgansforever, yes being a coin dealer is a lot of work but I love coins, searching and finding new pretty pennies,traveling to places I haven't been before, catching up with friends, working with customers, meeting forum members, sharing my wine, etc.! I feel very blessed to be doing something I love as my "work" and incorporating extra curricular activities to make it even more fun!!
Modcrewm and and Mariner, I realized that this report was going to be one of the more "entertaining" reports I put together just because of where it was held, so yes, I know my next reports at the "usual" locations will have to be a little more creative to keep all your attention!
Watersport, I have to admit that, even though I am not a big seafood lover, NO did have the best seafood dishes I have ever tried. That crab cheese bake I had as my first meal in NO was amazing! But give me a nice tasty tender steak any time and I'm a happy camper!
Goldbully, I agree, that Confederate cent is a very cool piece - I hadn't seen one before. Rick always comes up with some amazing pieces of copper!
Wei, yes, there definitely is a "Mr. Penny Lady" and I was so happy to have been able to share New Orleans with him! I would have to say that experiencing the city of New Orleans was more of a focus for me than the show was on this trip. And while I did go back home with tired feet, I had a big smile on my face once I reached my beloved ORANGE COUNTY (not to be confused with L.A. as you often like to tease me about - since they are worlds apart)!
okracer, as I mentioned, I regret not stopping by the Cafe du Monde for the Beignets, but I did get to try them at Emeril's restaurant with a very yummy cream rum sauce. But if I ever get back to New Orleans, Cafe du Monde will definitely be one of my first stops!
Mozin, anytime we were in the "tourist" areas, I did not feel unsafe. But when we got out of the cab due to the bomb scare and walked the rest of the way to the restaurant, I felt a little more comfortable being accompanied by two FBI agents (Rick's friend Neil and his wife Barbara)!!!
Elmerfusterpuck, I'm sorry about your voice, that must have been hard to be at a coin show and not be able to speak! Hopefully, I'll get to chat with you at another show soon.
Rick, thank you again for being such an awesome tour guide for me and Lou - and thank you for getting such a fun car to tour around in. If it wasn't for you, I'm sure we wouldn't have seen as many great places as we did, nor had as much fun!
Northcoin, thanks for the added information. You are right about the Spanish influence which is evident all around the French Quarter - and thanks for the cute photo!
Shorecall, thank you for that compliment, it is much appreciated! ;-)
PerryHall, thank you - that does set the bar high for the next report!
HighRelief, thank you for that compliment - just knowing you all enjoy these reports is what matters to me and makes it more fun to do!
GregL, whether credit cards were being scanned at this ANA, past ANA's, or anywhere else, I was very appreciative that ANA staff was trying to help protect us by handing out the credit card sleeves and reminding us to be cautious.
SaorAlba, I'd love to have drinks with you next time you make it to one of our shows!
Mark, thank you very much for that compliment - as I mentioned, knowing the forum members actually read AND enjoy my reports is what makes me like putting them together!
Bolivarshagnasty, the good times did roll indeed!!!!
Mercury, I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you (and include you in my report!), but I'm glad you enjoyed the show and the exhibits. I did have the best neighbors as this show - Northern Nevada Coin on one side and David Lawrence Rare Coins on the side!
Again, thank you all for being so kind - I enjoy reading each one of your replies!
https://thepennylady.com/
I feel I just scratched the surface though so I will be back to explore some more.
Thanks for the great report and photos.
Website-Americana Rare Coin Inc